© Istock/Vladimir_Timofeev
© Istock/Vladimir_Timofeev

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Unveiling the Wonders of Knossos Palace, a Mythology Tour in Crete

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Welcome to Crete, a stunning island boasting some of Greece's most beautiful landscapes and ancient sites. As I’m passionate about Crete, I am excited to share one of my favourite destinations on the island with you. If you love Greek Mythology and plan to visit Crete, you simply can't miss the Knossos Palace! This ancient site is considered one of Crete's most important historical landmarks, and it's located just 5 km southeast of Heraklion, the island's capital.

© Istock/Gatsi
© Istock/Gatsi
The Palace of Knossos, Crete
The Palace of Knossos, Crete
Leof. Knosou, Iraklio 714 09, Grèce

Exploring the Rich History of Knossos Palace in Crete

This site is not only historically significant, but it's also visually stunning, with its colourful frescoes and intricate architecture. As you enter the palace, you'll be struck by the grandeur of the ancient site. You can step into the royal residence, see the Minoan king's throne, and marvel at the House of the Frescoes with beautifully preserved wall paintings. As you wander through the corridors and rooms of the palace, you'll get a sense of what life was like for the Minoans, with their advanced technology, intricate artwork, and well-planned urban areas.

© Istock/Vladimir_Timofeev
© Istock/Vladimir_Timofeev

Knossos Palace: Family-friendly Mythology Tour

If you are looking for a fun and interactive way to explore the Knossos Palace, then the family-friendly mythology tour is definitely for you. This shared tour is suitable for all ages and includes a touch of Hollywood! During the tour, you will get to walk the paths where mythical heroes lived and acted and explore the palace with an iPad tablet that, through a special app, can show you a representation of the site as it was before. This is a great way to bring history to life and make the tour more engaging for children.

© Istock/VladimirSklyarov
© Istock/VladimirSklyarov

Heraklion: Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Walking Tour

If you prefer a more traditional approach, then the Heraklion: Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Walking Tour is the perfect choice. This tour allows you to skip the ticket line and enter the palace with a licensed guide, who will take you on a journey through time. You will get to explore the ancient palace, step into the royal residence, and even see the Minoan king's throne! One of the tour's highlights is the House of the Frescoes, which features colourful wall paintings over 3,500 years old. Your guide will also teach you about the history of the Minoan Civilization, probably the oldest on the European continent.

© Istock/anyaivanova
© Istock/anyaivanova

Crete: Palace of Knossos Ticket with Audio Tour

The Crete: Palace of Knossos Ticket with Audio Tour is the perfect option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. This ticket allows you to skip the line and enter the palace with a pre-booked e-ticket. Before your visit, you can download a digital audio tour on your smartphone and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Knossos. As you meander through the corridors of King Minos' palace, you can marvel at the exotic beauty of Minoan frescoes and gain valuable insight into the daily lives of ancient Cretans. The audio tour even follows in the steps of Yishharu, a young Minoan aristocrat, which makes the experience more personal.

© Istock/Banet12
© Istock/Banet12

Top Pick Activities in Crete

In addition to the tours, there are other activities to enjoy at Knossos Palace, such as exploring the surrounding area or taking a break to enjoy a picnic. And after your visit to Knossos Palace, I recommend exploring Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and its many cultural and historical attractions. Here are our top picks:

1. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where you can see artefacts from the Minoan Civilization and learn more about the history of Crete.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete
Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete
Stefanou Xanthoudidou 3, Iraklio 712 02, Greece

2. Explore the historic Old Town of Chania, known for its narrow streets, Venetian buildings, and picturesque harbour.

Chania's Old Town, Crete
Chania's Old Town, Crete
Chatzimichali Giannari 35, Chania 731 35, Greece

 3. Relax on one of the many beautiful beaches in Crete, such as Seitan Limania, Elafonisi, Balos, or Falassarna. 

Falassarna Beach Chania, Crete
Falassarna Beach Chania, Crete
GH2H+QX Phalasarna, Greece
Balos Beach Chania, Crete
Balos Beach Chania, Crete
Main Street, Kaliviani Kissamos 734 00, Ελλάδα
Elafonisi Beach, Crete
Elafonisi Beach, Crete
7G9J+R5 Inachori, Greece
Seitan Limania Beach, Akrotiri
Seitan Limania Beach, Akrotiri
Seitan limania, Akrotiri, Greece

4. Take a hike in the Samaria Gorge, a national park and a World Biosphere Reserve. 

Gorge of Samaria, Crete
Gorge of Samaria, Crete
6XR6+3F Sfakia, Greece

5. Visit the Palace of Phaistos, another important archaeological site in Crete.

The Site of Phaistos, Crete
The Site of Phaistos, Crete
Sivas 702 00, Grèce

Overall, visiting Knossos Palace is a must for anyone visiting Crete. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful frescoes, this site is a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world. So why not book your tour today and experience the wonder of Knossos Palace for yourself?

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The author

Chrisa Lepida

Chrisa Lepida

My name is Chrisa and I come from Greece. As nature lover, winter sports addict and Erasmus obsessed, I’m always writing about these topics.

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